Survey: New Mexico tornado traveled path about 15 miles long

Published
1:09 pm CDT, Saturday, March 16, 2019

DEXTER, N.M. (AP) — The National Weather Service says a tornado that destroyed or damaged numerous homes and other structures in the southern New Mexico community of Dexter traveled a path about 15 miles (24 kilometers) long and 150-350 yards (137-319 meters) wide.

The weather service's damage survey said the twister Tuesday night had estimated peak winds of 111-135 mph (179-217 kph), rating it in one of two "strong" categories in the middle of a six-point scale.

The survey said six people suffered minor injuries as the twister destroyed or substantially damaged six homes and caused lesser damage to an additional dozen structures.

The survey said the twister dissipated about a half-mile (0.8 kilometer) from Dexter after touching down 15 minutes earlier about 15 miles (24 kilometers) away from the Chaves County community.